500-600 Volunteers Urgently Needed to Sandbag

The City of Winnipeg is asking for 500-600 volunteers are urgently needed to assist with sandbagging efforts in the north and central areas of the city tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15).

Based on a revised forecast issued Tuesday by the Province, the Red River is expected to crest in Winnipeg at 21.8 feet James Avenue datum by April 16 or 17, 2009. This higher than expected crest means that about 40 properties will require dike raises and 60 properties require new dikes. These 60 new dikes are needed at properties located on Scotia Street, Glenwood Crescent, and a few along the Seine River.

As conditions have changed significantly, the City requires property owners in north and central Winnipeg to build or raise sandbag dikes.

To ensure volunteers are placed in all areas of need, people available to assist with Wednesday’s sandbagging efforts are asked to call 311 to register.

Volunteers are asked not to drive directly to sandbagging areas due to high traffic volumes.